Homicide squad investigate seven deaths at Osmington property

Homicide squad investigate seven deaths at Osmington property

The WA Police homicide squad are on the scene at an Osmington property were seven people were found deceased about 5.15am on Friday morning.

When police arrived they found three adults and four children deceased, two firearms were also located at the scene.

Police are expected to remain at the residence up to five days while they examine the property, and a Margaret River police chaplain was on hand to provide support for police who were first on the scene.

WA Police commissioner Chris Dawson has described the deaths of seven people in Osmington as a ‘horrific incident’ and a ‘devastating tragedy’.

“It is still very early in this investigation, but based on what we do know this is clearly a tragedy,” Commissioner Dawson said.

“I don’t think there are any other words that can further describe how tragic this is. The loss of any life is tragic, but four children and three adults – this is a significant tragedy.

“This is a devastating tragedy that will no doubt have a lasting impact on the families concerned, the whole community, and in particular our local communities in the South West.

“Importantly, communities rally together in such tragedies and I am confident the community will rally together.”

Commissioner Dawson told the press conference he was unable to release further details relating to the identities of the deceased, as next of kin was yet to be notified.

“We are trying to locate other members of the family and friends,” he said.

“(The deceased) appear to be residents of property.”

Commissioner Dawson said upon arrival, police found seven persons deceased, four children and three adults.

The bodies of two adults were found outside and the bodies of the four children and one adult were inside a building on the rural property.

"It appears that gunshot wounds are there but I don't want to go further than that, as two firearms have been located at the scene,” he said.

He said it wasn’t appropriate to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, but confirmed there was no information which suggested concern for public safety.

He said a phone call prompted police to attend the property and wouldn’t elaborate if the call was from a neighbour or someone inside the property.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Osmington area this morning, is asked to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.